Turning paper-friendly

A paper collection campaign is on in the emirates' schools, and companies are making their contribution by collecting used paper ready to be recycled.

The campaign by the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) is on a large scale this time and they have got a very good response from private companies and schools.

The EEG has successfully made the can collection campaign an annual event and aims to do the same with paper collection.

People have definitely become more aware of environmental issues and want to do their bit to save and preserve the environment. "In fact, a lot of companies call us and enquire how they can forward paper from their offices to be recycled," said Habiba Al Marashi, chairperson of the EEG.

The first thing that the EEG advises private companies to do in order to reduce paper wastage is to use both sides of a sheet of paper and print only what is necessary. Then, after the paper cannot be used anymore, don't throw them away but collect them in special bins. Collection companies can then be asked to pick these up on a regular basis, be it weekly, once in 10 days or when the bins are full.

Al Marashi urged the people and companies to come forward and sponsor a few collection bins.

She plans to give the collection drive in schools a competitive edge, with gifts given out to those who collect more paper. She intends to put a target of perhaps 10 or 15 tons. She is also trying to get the support of the private sector and the government, as EEG is a voluntary and non-profit organisation.

Al Marashi said the Dubai World Trade Centre has been involved in this campaign and is requesting all the offices to collect paper to be recycled. During exhibitions they have about 70,000 visitors and this time they are going to take the visitors' badges back and reuse the paper. They also reuse plastic card holders and save money in the process.

Companies in City Tower 1 have also received notices from their management informing them about the campaign and requesting them to drop their collection regularly in a bin at their location. Companies with no office boys are being asked to leave their paper in special bags outside their offices. These are then picked up and sent to designated areas.

The EEG also encourages people and companies not to throw away used toner cartridges but to forward them to the EEG or call 04-2853538 for recycling.

They also suggest that while buying a printer, choose one with an energy saver feature that reduces energy to 30 watts when idling.

To join the paper collection campaign call the EEG at 04-3318100.